Ulnar Collateral Ligament Injury Specialists Woodbridge VA

This page provides useful content and local businesses that can help with your search for Ulnar Collateral Ligament Injury Specialists. You will find helpful, informative articles about Ulnar Collateral Ligament Injury Specialists, including "Ulnar Collateral Ligament Injuries: Diagnosis and Treatment". You will also find local businesses that provide the products or services that you are looking for. Please scroll down to find the local resources in Woodbridge, VA that will answer all of your questions about Ulnar Collateral Ligament Injury Specialists.

Ulnar Collateral Ligament Injuries: Diagnosis and Treatment

Injuries of the ulnar collateral ligament of the metacarpophalangeal joint in the thumb sometimes referred to as “skier's thumb” are very common and account for well over half of all thumb injuries. These injuries, especially prevalent in skiers (representing nearly a third of all skiing injuries), commonly affect participants in volleyball, soccer, handball, basketball, and rugby as well. They are typically the result of a fall. As people attempt to catch themselves, the ligaments exceed their weight-bearing ability and the thumb pulls away from the hand. In these conditions, the strong band of tissue attached to the middle joint of the thumb sustains significant stress and eventually tears.

Determining whether an individual suffers from skier's thumb requires a comprehensive physical examination as well as thorough review of one's patient history. Early diagnosis is paramount to successful outcomes. Ulnar colateral ligament injuries are frequently overlooked in initial diagnosis, and this inattention can limit the potential stability of the restored joint. As such, it is necessary to pay close attention to a patient's symptoms. Patients typically present with swelling and pain around the joint, as well as difficulty holding or grasping objects. Stress testing is crucial for accurate diagnosis and may require local anesthesia to elicit full patient cooperation. Patients suffering acute injuries may be extremely guarded, making palpitation and, therefore, diagnosis difficult.

Much of the image diagnosis of skier's thumb relies solely on radiographs. Though MRIs have proven accurate, there is some debate as to whether they are cost-effective. Ultrasound, on the other hand, holds promise. While its effectiveness can be limited by several factors like examiner skill, quality of equipment, and the time elapsed from injury, ultrasound has the potential to be both accurate and cost-effective. However, more studies are necessary before ultrasound may replace radiographs as the preferred form of imaging in these cases.

Treatment options for ulnar collateral ligament injuries rely solely on whether the ligament has been ruptured or only partially torn. In cases of rupture, surgical repair is required, but partially torn ligaments can only be treated with nonoperatively. Much of the literature concerning treatment options has remained the same, however, there has been rising debate concerning the management for avul...

Looking for information on Tendinopathy in Woodbridge? We have compiled a list of businesses and services around Woodbridge that should help you with your search. We hope this page helps you find information on Tendinopathy in Woodbridge.